Binondo Food Trip 2025 Eating Chinese Food at the Oldest Chinatown in the World

Binondo, established in 1594, is the world’s oldest Chinatown, blending rich history with vibrant commerce and delicious cuisine. Located in the heart of Manila, it was originally a settlement for Chinese immigrants, particularly those who converted to Christianity under Spanish rule. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a bustling district known for its deep cultural roots, iconic food scene, and historic landmarks.

What Makes Binondo Unique?

1. A Fusion of Cultures

Binondo reflects a mix of Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino influences. You’ll see colonial-era churches like Binondo Church (Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz) Binondo Church – Originally built in 1596, this iconic church is a symbol of the Chinese-Filipino community’s deep Catholic faith.

2. Ongpin Street – The Heart of Chinatown

Ongpin Street is the main artery of Binondo, lined with family-run restaurants, herbal medicine stores, gold jewelry shops, and traditional Chinese bakeries. The street is always alive with the aroma of roasted duck, freshly baked hopia, and steaming dumplings.

Chinatown Museum: A Journey Through Binondo’s History

The Chinatown Museum, located on the fourth floor of Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo, is a cultural gem that showcases the rich history of the world’s oldest Chinatown. Opened in 2019, this museum provides a glimpse into Binondo’s past, from its founding in 1594 to its evolution as a major commercial and cultural hub in Manila.

3. A Culinary Haven

Binondo is a paradise for food lovers, offering authentic Chinese-Filipino dishes from dim sum to fresh lumpia. Many food establishments, such as Sincerity Café, Wai Ying, and Dong Bei Dumplings, have been serving loyal customers for generations.

Binondo Food Trip Guide

Here’s a Binondo food trip guide to help you navigate the best eats in the world’s oldest Chinatown!

Must-Try Food Stops

1. Dong Bei Dumplings

📍 Yuchengco St.
✅ Must-Try: Kuchay (chive) and pork dumplings
🥢 Why Go? Freshly made dumplings served hot. Really delicious!

2. Sincerity Café & Restaurant

📍 Yuchengco St.
✅ Must-Try: Sincerity Fried Chicken, kikiam
🥢 Why Go? Known for their crispy, flavorful fried chicken.

3. New Po-Heng Lumpia House

📍 Carvajal St.
✅ Must-Try: Fresh lumpia (vegetable spring roll)
🥢 Why Go? A refreshing, slightly sweet and garlicky lumpia, perfect for a light snack.

4. Wai Ying Fast Food

📍 Benavidez St.
✅ Must-Try: Roast duck rice, pork siomai, hakaw, fried dumpkings
🥢 Why Go? Affordable, authentic Hong Kong-style dishes.

5. Ho-Land Hopia & Bakery

📍 Escolta St.
✅ Must-Try: Hopia (mung bean or hopia mongo, wax gourd or hopia baboy or pork floss flavors)
🥢 Why Go? Perfect pasalubong (take-home treat) for friends and family.

6. Eng Bee Tin (Ongpin St.) – Ube hopia, tikoy,

Eng Bee Tin is the most famous Chinese delicacy brand in the Philippines, known for its innovative take on traditional treats. Established in 1912, it has been a staple in Binondo, offering a variety of hopia, tikoy, and other Chinese-Filipino pastries that have become beloved by many.

1. Hopia (Flaky Mooncake-Like Pastry)

Eng Bee Tin revolutionized hopia, traditionally made with mung bean, by introducing new flavors and textures.
✅ Hopia Ube – Their signature product, made with real ube halaya (purple yam).
✅ Hopia Mongo – The classic, filled with smooth, sweet mung bean paste.
✅ Hopia Baboy – A savory version with winter melon and pork fat.
✅ Hopia Combi – A mix of two flavors in one hopia, like Ube-Langka (purple yam and jackfruit).

🛒 Best-Seller: Hopia Ube – a must-try!

2. Tikoy (Glutinous Rice Cake)

A staple during Chinese New Year, tikoy symbolizes prosperity and good luck.
✅ Classic White Tikoy – The traditional sweet, chewy glutinous rice cake.
✅ Ube Tikoy – A modern twist with a purple yam flavor.
✅ Pandan Tikoy – Fragrant and slightly floral in taste.
✅ Tikoy Roll – A bite-sized, ready-to-eat version of the classic tikoy.

🛒 Best-Seller: Tikoy Ube – a flavorful upgrade to the classic.

3. Mochi & Buchi

Soft, chewy rice cakes filled with sweet or nutty flavors.
✅ Mochi Ube – Soft rice cake with sweet purple yam filling.
✅ Buchi Mongo – Deep-fried sesame balls with red bean or lotus seed filling.

1. Beanstro Café, nestled in the heart of Binondo, Manila, has quickly become a cherished spot for coffee enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Located at Tytana Plaza Building, this café operates daily from 9 AM to 11 PM, offering a cozy retreat amidst the bustling streets of Chinatown. Coffee: Beanstro offers an array of coffee beverages, from classic espresso-based drinks to specialty brews, catering to both traditional and adventurous palates.
Pro Tips for Your Binondo Food Trip.



Conclusion
Binondo remains a living testament to the resilience and contributions of the Chinese-Filipino community, offering a fascinating journey through history, culture, and flavors.

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